Update on Last Week's Shooting: Cops Say Officer Shot by Suspect

The Portland Police Bureau put out a news release this afternoon that addresses one question raised about last week's police shooting.

The question came yesterday from Rev. LeRoy Haynes at an Albina Ministerial Alliance news conference: Was the 25-year-old man killed by police, Keaton Otis, the person who shot Officer Christopher Burley twice in the legs? A video of the May 12 incident reveals at least 20 shots fired, and Haynes raised the possibility Burley was hit by friendly fire.

Here's the release this afternoon from the police. Detective Mary Wheat, a bureau spokeswoman, confirms that police definitely believe it was Otis and only Otis who shot Burley.

Portland Police Detectives are continuing their investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. Detectives have interviewed more than 20 civilian witnesses at the scene as well as 12 officers that either were directly involved in the shooting, witnessed it or arrived shortly after. Detectives have determined that the deceased subject, 25-year-old Keaton Dupree Otis, shot Officer Christopher Burley. Officer Burley was shot twice, sustaining injuries in both legs. He has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

A gun was recovered in the vehicle and is being sent to the crime lab for analysis. The vehicle that was involved has also been searched and forensics evidence has been collected and sent out to be analyzed. During this investigative process, Detectives will continue to examine forensic evidence, prepare reports and ensure transcriptions of witness interviews are completed for the upcoming Grand Jury.

The Grand Jury is scheduled to convene on Friday and will continue the following week. Mayor Sam Adams has asked District Attorney Michael Schrunk to record the Grand Jury testimony. Once the Grand Jury has concluded, the Police Bureau will release investigative reports as soon as possible.

Anyone who has not been contacted and has any information about this incident should contact Detective Mark Slater at (503) 823-9319 or Detective Erik Kammerer at (503) 823-0762. This is an ongoing investigation.